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Central Washington state parks schedule spring program lineup

OLYMPIA – March 6, 2019 – Washington State Parks invites the public to attend a lineup of fun, educational programs in state parks of the Central Cascades this spring.

The Central Cascades area stretches east of Snoqualmie Pass to the shrub-steppe along the Columbia River and is home to several Washington state parks. These parks showcase unique landscapes, diverse habitats, rich historical and geological heritage and recreational opportunities.

This spring, programs will take place at Olmstead Place Historical State Park, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and Lake Easton State Park.

Tuesday, March 19, 10 -11:30 a.m. Spring Break Junior Ranger program – FREE DAY (no Discover Pass required) Kids can jump into Junior Ranger activities on Washington State Parks’ 106th birthday and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Meet at the south end of the park closest to the highway.

Hike the 1-mile round trip Altapes Creek Interpretive Trail with a Parks Interpreter. Explore the relationship of this homestead family to the land. Meet at the south end of the park closest to the highway.

Tours are available by advance appointment. To schedule a tour, please call 509-925-1943.

Join staff for an in-depth look at the aftermath of the 2018 wildfires on a moderate 1.5-mile guided hike of the Interpretive Trail at Ginkgo Petrified Forest. Bring wind-proof layers and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

Sunday, March 24, 9-11 a.m. Birds of the shrub-steppe and Columbia River

Bring your binoculars to scan the river for migrating ducks and birds of prey on a walk from the Interpretive Center. Look for mountain bluebirds, sagebrush sparrows, sage thrashers and Say’s phoebes, or a sandhill crane flying overhead. Bring wind-proof layers and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

Sunday, April 21, 9-11 a.m. Quest for signs of life after wildfire

This is the first in the “Feel the Burn” series of hikes, with the second, third and fourth taking place May 19, June 16 and July 21. Interpretive staff and participants will search for early spring wildflowers, regenerating plants and signs of wildlife. Meet at the Backcountry Trailhead located off Vantage Highway, ½ mile down Recreation Drive. Bring wind-proof layers and sturdy hiking shoes.

In this second of the “Feel the Burn” hiking series, interpretive staff and participants will explore burned and unburned patches of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail to compare plant regeneration and blooming wildflowers. Meet at the Backcountry Trailhead located off Vantage Highway, ½ mile down Recreation Drive.

The “Feel the Burn” hiking series continues June 16 and July 21, 9-11 a.m., with details forthcoming.

Participants will continue to observe and document life returning to burned areas. Meet at the Backcountry Trailhead located off Vantage Highway, ½ mile down Recreation Drive.

Interpretive Center hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, March 1 to May 15; 110 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, May 16 to Sept. 15. Tours can also be scheduled in advance by calling 509-856-2290.

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. Tunnel Vision! Travel back in time through the historic Snoqualmie train tunnel on a flat, 5-mile guided hike with Parks interpretive staff. Bring cold and wet weather layers, sturdy hiking shoes and a head lamp or flashlight. Meet at the Hyak parking lot (Driving Directions).

Join park staff and partners Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) for a day of fun and learning about the amazing habitat of eastern Washington. Morning field trips will visit the Bureau of Land Management Umtanum Recreation Area in the Yakima River Canyon. All other activities will be at Helen McCabe State Park. For more information and directions: https://www.ycic.org/get-intimate-with-the-shrub-steppe .

About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.